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Faux YorkieThe Long and Flowing Illusion

Bread & Butter Grooming:FAST & EASY PET TRIMS FOR THE SALON

By Kathy Rose

According to AKC registration data, the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds. It is no surprise that it is also one of our most prevalent bread and butter clients. The long and flowing coat crowned by a bejeweled headpiece is endearing and beautiful to behold.

With that said, the Yorkie is handsome when well kept. For the average client, coat maintenance is daunting, and they find their little friend’s coat looking like an unmade bed minutes after grooming.

The faux trim can be the answer. For this trim, the back is clipped short and then blended into longer leg and side coat. The face remains long with a trimmed beard and tied-up topknot with or without bangs. For even easier care, the belly can be shaved, leaving only a shell of longer side coat.

The blade work on the back can vary depending on the density of the coat and desired look. For this silky coat, I used a “C” comb over a #30 blade.

The preparation is standard: bathe and condition with quality products. Anti-static sprays are helpful to keep the flyaways at bay. Pads, nails, ear cleaning, and sanitary are completed before styling.

Fig. 1:

Using a #30, shave the top 1/4 to 1/3 of the ear tips, both inside and outside. Use your fingers to support the ear leather, keeping it flat.

Fig. 2:

Trim the eye corners. If the dog is not cooperative, use thinning shears in this area in order to prevent shaving down the length of the muzzle.

Fig. 3:

Shave the front of the lips.

Starting just behind the occiput and following the coat growth direction, clip the back, neck, shoulders, rump, and sides.

Fig. 4:

It is important to pull the clipper away from the body of the dog, “falling off” before clipping into the longer furnishings. “Fall off” just below the spring of rib (widest part of the rib cage) just below the point of the shoulder and point of the rump.

Fig. 5:

Lift the facial coat up and forward, and clip from under the ear and jaw, down the neck and shoulders.

Fig. 6:

With blenders or thinning shears, blend the cowlicks under the jaw and throat.

Blend the shoulders and (Fig.7) rear where the short coat meets the longer coat.

Trim the tail using thinning shears for a natural look.

Fig. 8:

Round the front feet.

Fig. 9:

Using long curved shears and following the natural underline of the dog, trim the undercarriage.

While continuing to follow the underline, round the rear feet. With short curved shears, create a “kick up” (the illusion of a semicircle on the foot).

This head style stays relatively true to the Yorkie “look” with a long beard, cheeks, and a topknot. It can easily be modified for a complete tied up topknot or trimmed bangs. For the average client, trimmed bangs offer more practicality.

Fig. 10:

Trim the ear edges with small scissors. Always trim from base to point, following the coat growth direction. This will assist you in creating a cleaner line and aid in the prevention of nicking the ear.

Comb the topknot forward and trim the bangs across the bridge of the nose.

Next trim from the outside corner of the eye to the stop, and then repeat from the other side. Give the dog’s head a light shake and repeat.

Comb the beard coat down and trim the edges in a semicircular pattern.

Using fine thinning shears, blend the outside eye corners to expose the eyes when viewed from the side. Soften the look of the bangs by blending.

Fig. 11:

To complete the face, tie up the topknot from just above the outside eye corners to the ear. It may be necessary to tidy up the bangs once the topknot is in place.

The “faux” trim with variations can be utilized on any long and flowing coat type such as the Maltese and the Lhasa. This trim presents an option for the client who desires the longer “look” of the flowing coat without the high maintenance that goes with it. Use of your imagination and thorough communication with your client will help you to create variations in head styles and determine blade length choices. This in turn will produce happy clients, and happy clients refer their friends and expand your base of Bread and Butter clients! ✂